Laois: Deputy Manager Children's Service

About the Role

The Centre is a preparation for leaving care Centre that supports young people aged 16-17.

The Deputy Manager is a pivotal member of our team, supporting the Centre Manager in the operational and strategic management of our residential care services. This role involves leading, guiding, and supporting the social care team to deliver exceptional care to young people, ensuring their voices are central to all decision-making and care planning processes. The Deputy Manager will uphold and promote Harmony’s values, policies, and child-centred approach while contributing to continuous improvement and compliance with regulatory standards.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and support social care team members, leaders, and relief workers.

• Assist the Centre Manager in ensuring high-quality service delivery within available resources.

• Promote the professional development of team members through mentoring, training, and delegation.

• Lead team meetings, chair discussions when required, and oversee effective handovers.

• Foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, and accountability.

• Act as the on-call lead when required, providing guidance and support to the team.

2. Policy Implementation and Governance

• Ensure adherence to organisational policies and procedures.

• Support policy reviews and assist in implementing procedural updates.

• Oversee health and safety compliance, conducting risk assessments, and managing concerns promptly.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including young person, employee, and business data.

• Participate in audits, inspections, and evaluations to ensure regulatory and internal compliance.

3. Care and Wellbeing of Young People

• Ensure young people are actively involved in decisions affecting their lives.

• Collaborate with keyworkers to ensure care plans, aftercare plans, and young people’s voices are central in placement planning.

• Monitor and support the holistic needs of young people, including social, educational, occupational, recreational, medical, and dietary needs.

• Participate in Child in Care Reviews and address risks using the risk management framework.

• Uphold Harmony’s Model of Care and promote a positive lived care experience for all young people.

4. Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Fulfill duties as a mandated person and report any concerns to Tusla.

• Act as Deputy Designated Liaison Person, managing safeguarding concerns and risk assessments.

• Ensure familiarity with the Organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement and risk management processes.

• Support the internal management team in ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all young people in care.

5. Professional Development

• Maintain effective self-care practices and promote the same among team members.

• Engage in training and development opportunities to enhance your professional contribution.

• Support the Centre Manager in identifying and addressing training needs within the team.

6. Operational Oversight

• Deputise for the Centre Manager in their absence.

• Contribute to the operational and strategic planning of the Centre.

• Ensure the upkeep of a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for young people and team members.

• Support the preparation of reports and assessments, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.

Key Attributes

• A strong commitment to the care and wellbeing of young people.

• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

• Ability to foster a supportive and collaborative team environment.

• Proactive, solution-focused approach to challenges and responsibilities.

• Dedication to professional development and continuous learning.

Team Member Benefits

• Comprehensive Induction: Two and a half day induction followed by a 6-month employee development programme.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24/7 support for team members and their families/partners.

• Annual Leave: 23 days annual leave, plus bank holiday entitlements.

• Supervision and Professional Development: Structured supervision and career progression opportunities.

• Complimentary Training: Paid core professional training to enhance your skillset.

• Employee Wellbeing Focus: Designated Mental Health Officers in every Centre and regular Social Days planned by the team.

Why Join Harmony Residential Care?

• Be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

• Work in a supportive and values-driven organisation.

• Opportunities for professional growth and career progression.

• Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance.

If you are a compassionate leader with a commitment to excellence in child-centred care, we invite you to join us at Harmony Care. Together, we can inspire hope and build brighter futures for children in our care.